Local Economy

Preservation & Local Economy

Older buildings provide an ideal environment for small businesses to thrive –offering the flexible space needed by entrepreneurs with new ideas as well as the affordable space required to sustain legacy businesses and diverse business ownership. Retaining older, smaller buildings along historic commercial corridors is a smart economic development strategy.

Preservation Green Lab

Learn more about the Preservation Green Lab and the work of the National Trust on the issue of Sustainability.

Older, Smaller, Better

All across America, blocks of older, smaller buildings are quietly
contributing to robust local economies and distinctive livable
communities. This groundbreaking study demonstrates the unique and
valuable role that older, smaller buildings play in the development of
sustainable cities.

Beyond Tourism: The Economics of Historic Preservation in Savannah

Legacy Businesses

In cities across the country preservationists are working to protect legacy businesses - the corner store, bar, or coffee shop. Learn more about work in San Francisco and around the world to protect these spaces of commerce around the world.

preservationURBAN: Mary Rowe

Fundamentals: Preservation & Economics

America Saves!

Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Preservation Green Lab of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently working
with a national team of experts to test a program for pinpointing long-term energy cost savings in existing buildings

National Main Street Center

Over the past 35 years, the National
Main Street Center has led the development of a national network of over
2,000 historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts: Main Street America™.
The people who make up Main Street America are passionate advocates,
dedicated volunteers, influential stakeholders, and community organizers
who work every day to turn the tide in their communities—catalyzing
reinvestment, creating jobs, and fostering pride of place.

The Preservation Leadership Forum of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation is a network of preservation leaders — professionals,
students, volunteers, activists, experts — who share the latest
ideas, information, and advice, and have access to in-depth
preservation resources and training.